You may recognize Amanita muscaria, also called fly agaric mushrooms, by their bright red caps with white spots. They show up in fairy tales, video games, and cartoons. Today, these mushrooms are showing up in real life. They can be found in stores and online, often sold in products that look harmless.
Many parents are caught off guard because these products are easy to buy and are sometimes marketed as “natural” or “legal.”
Because these products are easy to find and often fly under the radar, many parents may not realize their child has seen or tried them. Learning about Amanita muscaria helps families talk sooner—before a problem starts.
When parents lead with curiosity and facts, teens are more likely to ask questions and share concerns instead of hiding them.
On this page…
Amanita muscaria mushrooms grow naturally in many parts of the world, including the United States. They contain chemicals called muscimol and ibotenic acid, which affect the brain and nervous system.
Even though they are sometimes described as mind-altering or “psychedelic,” their effects are unpredictable and often come with physical side effects.
Amanita muscaria affects parts of the brain that control sleep, balance, and awareness. People who use products containing these mushrooms may experience:
Reactions can be very different from one person to another. What seems mild to one person can be overwhelming or dangerous to someone else.
Many Amanita muscaria products do not look like mushrooms at all. They are often sold as:
Some packaging looks like candy or supplements. This can be confusing—and risky—especially for teens or younger children who may not understand what they contain.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers that:1
The FDA is especially concerned about Amanita muscaria products in the form of gummies and chocolates, which can easily be mistaken for safe treats.
A recent report from the RAND Corporation found that Amanita muscaria products are widely used across the United States.2 In fact, they are more popular than ketamine or LSD. However, many people try them without fully understanding how they affect the body or that these products are not closely regulated.
This widespread use is one reason health experts are urging parents to learn about these products and talk with their kids early.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms are being sold in ways that can make them seem safe or harmless, but health experts say that is not true. These products are not approved for use in food, can cause serious side effects, and have led to people getting sick.
Staying informed—and keeping communication open—helps families make safer choices together.
No. The FDA has said amanita muscaria is not safe for use in food, and these products have sent people — including at least one child in a documented case — to the hospital. Their strength and ingredients are unpredictable.
Amanita muscaria is not a federally controlled substance the way psilocybin is, so these products are sold openly in most states. But “legal to sell” is not the same as “safe to use” — the FDA has stated the mushroom is not authorized for use in food.
They are different mushrooms with different active ingredients. “Magic mushrooms” contain psilocybin; amanita muscaria contains muscimol and ibotenic acid and acts more like a sedative. Some products marketed as “magic mushroom” gummies actually contain amanita muscaria, which can create a false sense of safety.
If they have severe symptoms — such as seizures, persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness — call 911 immediately. For guidance in any suspected case, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, which is free and available 24/7.
You often can’t be sure. Look for “muscimol,” “ibotenic acid,” “amanita,” or “fly agaric” on the label, but be aware that testing has found products that were mislabeled or contained undisclosed ingredients.